AS WELL as working at the Launceston Steam Railway, Jon Mann is a volunteer on the Talyllyn Railway (TR) in mid-Wales, the world's first preserved railway.

The TR is currently celebrating its 60th anniversary, and a number of special events were planned. One event was to be sponsored to support the Ataxia Telangiactasia Society (http://www.atsociety.org.uk">www.atsociety.org.uk).

AT is a rare, neurodegenerative and progressive condition which starts in early childhood causing severe disability and premature death. It affects many parts of the body robbing the child of his/her independence. A wheelchair is needed usually by the age of ten.

Jon trained as an organist with the late Royland Jordan of Laun­ces­ton, and then at the Royal College of Music, London, and a subsequent friendship with the late Dudley Savage, who inspired cinema organ playing as well as classical.

For a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.